Giant hogweed

Have altered this slightly on Picasa. Rather liked the effect!

As well as giant hogweed, this is some times called the cartwheel-flower, wild parsnip, wild rhubarb, or giant cowparsley.
Botanical name : Heracleum Mantegazzianum. A plant of the Apiaceae family.
It grows to 2 - 5 metres, sometimes 7 metres high.

As with many plants it was introduced in the 19th century as an ornamental garden plant, but soon spread.

The sap contains toxic chemicals, and when in contact with the skin can cause redding of the skin often followed by severe burns and blistering.
STAY WELL CLEAR!

It is also listed on Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which states that "if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part 11 of Schedule 9 he shall be guilty of an offence".
Anyone convicted of an offence may face a fine of £5000 and/or 6 months imprisonment, or 2 years and/or an unlimited fine or indictment.

So you have been warned!

They do look fantastic when in flower, and also when they have died back, and you are just left with the skeleton plant.
I hope to photograph one later in the year covered in frost, as they look magical then.

But remember...DON'T TOUCH!